Switch Mode
All chapter links should work perfectly now! If there is any errors, please a drop a comment so we can fix it asap!
All chapter links should work perfectly now! If there is any errors, please a drop a comment so we can fix it asap!

Jiao Niang’s Medical Record Chapter 133

Easy

The Zhou family courtyard was brightly lit, and Cheng Jiao-niang’s courtyard was even more crowded with people.

Since no family members were allowed to enter the room to check on the patient, and Madam Tong refused to follow Madam Zhou’s arrangements to rest, everyone gathered there instead. More and more daughters-in-law, servants, and attendants from the Tong family came and went, making it hard to tell whether this was the Zhou family’s residence or the Tong family’s.

“Please take a look,” Madam Tong said as she took a note from her son’s hand and handed it to a maid. “This is flying money—a promissory note for ten thousand guan, with every last coin accounted for, pure copper and full weight.”

The maid took it and examined it carefully.

Could a maid really understand such things? The people around looked on with some doubt.

“That’s right, flying money from the Fuzhou Courier Office,” the maid said with a smile. She shook the promissory note lightly and tucked it away.

Madam Zhou, who was accompanying them, watched with her heart pounding in alarm, wishing she could reach out and take it.

Ten thousand guan!

“Th-this… how could we possibly accept it?” she stammered.

“You certainly cannot accept it. After all, you’re not the one treating the illness,” the maid replied with a smile.

Being publicly rebuked with such sharp words, Madam Zhou, already frightened, angry, and flustered, felt her chest tighten even more.

“Has the medicine been brought back?” the maid ignored her and asked those outside.

The Tong family’s young men hurriedly called out to check, and before long, a small figure came in holding a package of medicine.

“Here it is! Here it is!” he announced loudly.

The maid reached out to take the package, then carried it straight into the room.

The room was brightly lit, casting elongated shadows that quickly disappeared behind the screen, leaving everything obscured.

“What kind of medicine did she buy?” one of the sons asked in a low voice.

The servant’s expression turned a bit odd.

“She bought psoralea and eucommia bark,” he said.

The young master of the Tong family waited for a moment without saying anything further.

“And?” he prompted.

“She also bought… walnuts,” the servant replied, looking conflicted.

“Walnuts?” The young master of the Tong family widened his eyes.

“And garlic, wine…” the servant continued hesitantly.

“Did she not buy some meat while she was at it?” someone couldn’t help but interject.

The young master shot him a glare.

“Forget it, whether she’s buying medicine or groceries,” he said with a wave of his hand. “Anyway, nothing’s ever normal when it comes to that lady. Let’s just wait. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait long—didn’t she say we’d know the outcome by tomorrow?”

A maid from the Zhou family came over, carrying a thick cloak, and spotted Zhou Liu-lang standing under the corridor.

“Young Master, you should go back and rest,” one of the maids said, handing him the large cloak.

“Mother won’t go back, and there are men from outside here. My sisters-in-law and sisters can’t come over, so I’ll stay here,” Zhou Liu-lang replied, wrapping himself in the cloak. “If anything happens, I’ll be here to help protect them.”

As he spoke, he glanced toward the main house.

“Such filial piety from the Sixth Young Master,” the maid said, bowing to him before hurrying off to deliver warm clothing to the womenfolk.

The night wind howled, and though the darkness was lit up like day, an uneasy tension filled everyone’s hearts.

At daybreak, Chen Shao walked briskly into the rear courtyard.

Old Master Chen was leaning on a cane, accompanied by two young maids as he took a stroll.

“Father,” Chen Shao called out.

Old Master Chen stopped in his tracks.

“The final push is there,” Chen Shao said.

Old Master Chen froze for a moment, then broke into a laugh but quickly stifled it.

“Who is it? To be so pitiful during the New Year,” he said, adjusting his expression.

“Tong Neihan,” Chen Shao replied in a low voice.

“It was bound to happen sooner or later. Eating metals and minerals is a surefire way to court death,” Old Master Chen shook his head. “Lucky for him, though, that Lady Cheng is here.”

“Plenty of people have lost their lives from eating metals and minerals. Can he really be saved?” Chen Shao asked, his face full of concern.

“He can,” Old Master Chen said without hesitation, patting his son on the shoulder. “If a master sends their disciple into the world, it’s not to ruin their reputation.”

“Speaking of masters,” Chen Shao said quietly, “Father, there was new information passed along yesterday.”

“Oh?” Old Master Chen’s interest was piqued. He tossed his cane to one of the maids. “Come, let’s talk inside.”

Though it had only been a day and a night, word had already spread among well-informed families, and a few curious onlookers began lingering around the Zhou family’s gate.

The side gate creaked open, and a carriage rolled out, drawing the attention of the surrounding crowd, who craned their necks to catch a glimpse.

The carriage sped off.

“Were there sounds of crying?”

“Was it a man or a woman?”

As the carriage passed down the street, a burst of firecrackers was suddenly lit, echoing through half the street. As the crackling subsided, the sound of gongs and drums resounded in unison.

“What’s going on? Who’s getting married?”

Passersby in the distance were drawn by the commotion, asking around to find out more.

“It looks like a restaurant opening,” someone replied, pointing toward the scene.

The bustling street was packed with people. In front of a newly opened restaurant stood a colorful reception canopy, more than seven meters high, adorned with silk flowers that made it exceptionally eye-catching.

“Immortal’s Abode,” someone who could read squinted at the brightly fluttering flag and read the name aloud.

“Immortal’s Abode? What an audacious name,” someone unfamiliar with it remarked.

But those who recognized it were startled.

“Wasn’t it outside the city? Did they open a branch here?”

“This isn’t a branch,” someone replied confidently.

The brightly dressed Dou Qi stood at the entrance of the restaurant, welcoming the passersby.

“From today onward, our Immortal’s Abode is officially here!” he said with a broad smile, cupping his hands in greeting. “Dear neighbors, please give us your support!”

“Our restaurant’s ‘Passing Immortal’ is delicious, affordable, and suitable for all ages,” the manager added with a grin.

“Passing Immortal! I haven’t had it in days and was just craving it. So this is where you’ve moved—how convenient!” someone exclaimed and immediately stepped inside.

Following this customer’s lead, several other regulars entered as well, encouraging the curious onlookers to crowd in. Together with the hired greeters mingling to boost the atmosphere, the two-story Immortal’s Abode was quickly filled to capacity.

“Congratulations, Master,” the manager said with a smile.

Dou Qi looked at the bustling crowd inside and then at the steady stream of people entering from the street. Placing his hands on his hips, he threw back his head and laughed heartily in satisfaction.

At the same time, the Immortal’s Abode outside the city had grown quiet, with only a few visitors. The once-bustling hall now seated just four or five people.

“I say, what’s the deal here? Didn’t we agree to discuss this for a few more days?” Fan Jianglin said, raising his eyebrows in frustration.

A man with a face full of pockmarks rubbed his nose.

“Sorry, but with the new branch opening, we’re in urgent need of funds. So, are you buying or not? Let’s settle this quickly. If you’re not buying, there’s no shortage of others who are waiting to take it off our hands,” he said, slapping the contract on the table.

“Of course we’re buying,” Fan Jianglin replied, looking toward Xu Maoxiu.

Xu Maoxiu nodded.

“Sign it,” he said.

“Straightforward!” The pockmarked man grinned, giving them a thumbs-up as he slid the contract over.

Xu Maoxiu picked up the contract and read it line by line. Suddenly, his brows furrowed.

“Wasn’t it supposed to be 8,000 guan? Why is it now 9,000?” he asked.

“With the Immortal’s Abode in the city opening, this place benefits from the publicity as well. In the future, when people hear this is the original location, your business will surely thrive. The price hike is well worth it,” the pockmarked man said with a grin.

“You greedy scoundrel, raising the price on the spot!” Xu Bangchui slammed the table and stood up, shouting angrily.

The pockmarked man remained unfazed and even chuckled.

“Oh, feeling wronged? Dissatisfied? Think it’s unfair?” he taunted, reaching for the contract. “No problem, no problem, we can discuss this. If you don’t want it, it’s fine. No need to ruin the mood—especially during the New Year. It’s not worth it.”

Xu Bangchui glared at him, seething with anger. These city rascals were far more infuriating than the rogue soldiers back in the northwest!

Xu Maoxiu shot him a warning look. Xu Bangchui clicked his tongue in frustration and reluctantly sat back down.

“So? Maybe you should just drop it,” the pockmarked man said while picking at his nails. “I’ve been stuck negotiating with you guys for days, and honestly, I don’t have the time anymore. The new store just opened, and business is booming. If you’re not interested, why not check out some other places instead?”

Xu Maoxiu extended his hand.

“No need. Let’s sign,” he said.

With that, the contract was signed and sealed. The pockmarked man gave it a shake, smiling broadly as he cupped his hands in a mock gesture of respect.

“Alright, then. Tomorrow, we’ll finalize it with the authorities—one hand for the registration, one hand for the money,” he said.

Xu Maoxiu nodded, returned the gesture, and walked out first.

“What a bunch of country bumpkins,” the pockmarked man snickered once they were gone. “Just a little pressure, and they folded right away.”

He motioned for his two lackeys to close the door.

“Spending all that money on this crummy place? Bet it won’t be long before they’re stripped bare and running for the hills,” he laughed.

“Boss, who cares? It’s all there in black and white. They can’t blame us for it,” one of the lackeys said with a chuckle.

Xu Maoxiu and the other two returned the borrowed horses in the city, their expressions heavy.

“How useless,” Fan Jianglin sighed. “We agreed on eight thousand guan, but now it’s nine thousand. How am I supposed to explain this to Sister?”

“We should borrow the money,” Xu Maoxiu suddenly said.

“From whom?” Fan Jianglin asked.

“Xiang Qi,” Xu Maoxiu replied.

“That stingy guy!” Xu Bangchui shouted.

“I’ll beg him. He’s not the type to refuse help when someone’s in need,” Xu Maoxiu said.

“No way. If anyone is going, it should be me,” Fan Jianglin insisted. “If you go to see him, you’ll just be humiliated.”

As they were arguing, Jin Ge’er jumped out from the house.

“Young Master, you’re back!” he shouted. “Ban Qin has been waiting for you all for a while.”

Normally, when they heard this, everyone would hurry inside. But this time, upon hearing it, the three of them all paused in their steps, unable to move forward.

“Master,” the maid came out from inside, smiling, and said, “Mistress sent me to…”

“Ban Qin, tell your mistress that… we didn’t manage to do it,” Fan Jianglin said, taking a deep breath.

The maid froze for a moment.

“He didn’t sell it?” she asked.

“No,” Xu Bangchui quickly said. “That scoundrel raised the price, and Sister needed it urgently. We didn’t dare delay, so… we spent a bit more.”

“It’s not her fault for wanting it urgently. We just don’t know how to negotiate,” Xu Maoxiu added.

The maid laughed.

“What do I care? It’s just spending more money. Mistress already knew,” she said. “And, she said, the more he asks for, the better.”

The more he asks for, the better? What kind of reasoning is that?

“Mistress said, losing out is a blessing,” the maid laughed as she took out the flying money and handed it over. “Ten thousand guan, is this enough?”

Ten thousand!

Xu Maoxiu and the others widened their eyes.

“But is this money?” Xu Bangchui curiously looked at the piece of paper.

“This is flying money. Ten thousand guan would be hard to carry. This is for the Fuzhou Courier Office. When the time comes, you just need to take this to the people over there. They’ll know what to do,” the maid laughed.

There are really so many tricks in the capital. Xu Bangchui stopped asking and instead focused on the flying money that Xu Maoxiu had already taken.

Ten thousand guan…

“Sister really has money,” he muttered.

The maid, now in the carriage, smiled when she heard that.

“Miss doesn’t have money. It’s just that when she needs it, there are people willing to give,” she said. “As for the rest, Young Master, you can handle it. Don’t worry too much.”

Xu Maoxiu and the others nodded as they watched the carriage speed away.

The maid walked into the courtyard, where everyone waiting inside was on the verge of going mad.

“Didn’t they say we could take him away by dawn? Why is there no movement at all inside?” Madam Tong cried in frustration.

“Go in and check!” Madam Zhou, who had been standing for a whole day and night, could barely stand anymore, shouting.

“Wait.” The concubine beside Madam Tong quickly stepped forward to stop her. “That maid said no one is allowed inside. If anyone goes in, they’ll be the ones to blame if something happens to the master!”

“Do you believe her?!” Madam Zhou urged anxiously.

“I believe her!” the concubine shouted, her posture indicating that she was ready to fight anyone who dared to go inside.

Indeed, it was a matter of life and death—if the master survived, she would enjoy wealth and honor for the rest of her life. If he died, she would be waiting for her burial.

When the maid came in, everyone quickly gathered around, asking questions in a chaotic manner.

“Don’t rush, don’t rush, I’ll go check,” the maid said, brushing them aside as she opened the door.

Everyone eagerly craned their necks to look inside but could only see a screen blocking their view.

The door was closed again.

The courtyard fell into complete silence.

It seemed like a long time had passed before the door was opened once more.

Seeing the maid standing at the door with a faint smile, everyone present couldn’t help but hold their breath, feeling both nervous and somewhat bewildered.

What would she say this time?

The first time, she talked about money; the second time, it was for buying needles; the third time, for buying medicine; the fourth time, to go out. Now, this is the fifth time—what nonsense would she say this time?

“It was ready a long time ago, I was just delayed when I went out. Quickly, carry him out,” the maid said with a smile, reaching out to open both doors.

The screen had been moved, revealing the man lying on the doorboard, exactly as he had been when he was first brought in.

The people outside suddenly froze, not daring to move, staring blankly.

“Master.” Madam Tong was the first to react, pushing aside the maid who was supporting her, and stumbling toward the inside.

The others quickly followed, rushing forward.

Madam Zhou was pushed off balance and had to be helped to the side by her maid, while the concubine stood rooted in place, motionless, looking as if she were in a daze.

“Is he alive? Is he alive?”

“He’s breathing, he’s breathing!”

“Master’s moving, Master’s moving!”

“San-lang, San-lang, it’s me, Awan, it’s me, Awan, can you see me?”

“Master, he wants water, he wants water! Quickly, bring water! My God, Master wants water!”

The loud voices echoed through the courtyard, and with the sound of those cries, the concubine, as if drained of all strength, suddenly collapsed to the ground, prostrating herself and crying out loudly.

All chapter links should work perfectly now! If there is any errors, please a drop a comment so we can fix it asap!
Jiao Niang’s Medical Record

Jiao Niang’s Medical Record

娇娘医经
Score 8
Status: Ongoing Type: Author: Native Language: Chinese
Cheng Jiaoniang’s mental illness was cured, but she felt both like and unlike herself, as if her mind now held some strange memories. As the abandoned daughter of the Cheng family, she had to return to them. However, she was coming back to reclaim her memories, not to endure their disdain and mistreatment.

Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Options

not work with dark mode
Reset